Yeovil Diagnostic Centre officially opens this week

A brand new diagnostic centre was officially opened next to Yeovil District Hospital this week (Monday 19 January).

The centre, run by our trust, in partnership with InHealth, is set to see its first patients on Wednesday 21 January and will provide over 70,000 diagnostic tests and outpatient appointments every year for people in Yeovil, North Dorset and the surrounding area.

It follows the opening of the Taunton Diagnostic Centre in 2021, as well as the ongoing development of the Bridgwater Diagnostic Centre, which is expected to open later in 2026.

Mr Jonathan Ockrim, one of our consultant colorectal surgeons and our clinical lead for the Yeovil Diagnostic Centre, says: “The opening of our new diagnostic centre this week is fantastic news for people in Yeovil, North Dorset and the surrounding area.

“This is the latest in a series of major healthcare developments underway at Yeovil Hospital and in the community, and it’s excellent news to see such continued investment in our local services.

“The development of the new centre is very much in line with the government’s aim of expanding diagnostic services, which are separate from the acute hospital.

“The modern, state-of-the-art centre will further enhance patient experience, and will help reduce waiting times for a range of core services, ultimately meaning a much improved service for our patients.”

Dr Cenydd Thomas, one of our consultant radiologists at Yeovil Hospital, adds: “Having a modern, purpose-built diagnostic centre right next to the hospital – open seven days a week – will bring significant benefits for our patients. The extra capacity means they’ll be able to access the tests they need far more quickly.”

The new centre will also feature upgraded equipment in line with the latest technology. “Our colleagues are also really excited that they’ll be able to use the latest, state-of-the-art equipment in the centre,” Cen continues. “It’ll mean the diagnostic images will be clearer than we’ve ever seen before”.

The upstairs area is run by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, with a range of services including:

• Audiology diagnostic and rehabilitative services for adults and children, with the latest equipment and specialist soundproof rooms
• An ear, nose and throat (ENT) unit co-located with audiology, delivering outpatient, diagnostic and treatment services as well as joint appointments between ENT and audiology
• Respiratory diagnostic services
• Brand new cardiology department enabling our specialist teams to deliver a range of diagnostic and outpatient services.

On the ground floor, the Trust’s independent sector partner, InHealth – who are the UK’s largest specialist provider of diagnostic and healthcare solutions – will run endoscopy and imaging services (including MRI, CT, X-ray and ultrasound) on behalf of the NHS.

Geoff Searle, InHealth’s Chief Executive, says: “We’re proud to have worked in partnership with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust to provide key clinical services to the local population through this new centre.

“Across our nationwide network of CDCs, we’ve seen the real difference and positive impact that centres like these can bring for patients, focussed on improving health outcomes, so it’s fantastic to be doing that here in Yeovil.

“There has been a huge amount of hard work and dedication from all the teams involved to get us to this point, so a huge thank you to everyone involved and who worked tirelessly to ensure that this centre became a reality.”

The new facility was developed by specialist health and care developer Prime plc as part of their Strategic Estates Partnership with Somerset FT, and constructed by Darwin Group following investment from M&G.

Dr Trevor Smith, NHS England’s Medical Director for the South West, says: “It’s good to see our South West-wide procurement coming to fruition, to make access easier and reduce waiting times. This should make a real difference for local patients.”

Minister of State for Health Karin Smyth said:

“The NHS should fit around patients’ lives, not the other way around, and that’s why this new facility is such good news for people in Yeovil, North Dorset and the surrounding area.

“By providing scans, tests and checks closer to where people live, Community Diagnostic Centres help patients get answers faster. That means quicker diagnosis, quicker treatment decisions, and less time spent waiting and worrying.

“Investing in new centres like this is part of the government’s plan to waiting times and build an NHS fit for the future.”

Adam Dance, MP for Yeovil, said: “This new diagnostics centre at Yeovil Hospital is a fantastic facility for local people and a real step forward for our community.

“Faster and easier access to scans and tests will make a huge difference for patients, helping people get answers sooner and start treatment more quickly. It will also take pressure off other parts of the NHS and improve care across our area.

“This shows what can be achieved when we invest properly in local health services. I’m really pleased to see this centre open, and I want to thank all the NHS staff and everyone involved for the work they do every day for patients in Yeovil and the surrounding area.”